Hello...new to the forums here and new to kayaking. I'm interested in purchasing a Hobie Mirage i9s. I like to fish, so I'm looking for ways to get out onto the water without purchasing a boat.

Anyone care to share their thoughts/experiences with the Hobie inflatable i9s? There's a used one at a local store here that I have on hold until this Thursday. I'm taking it out on trial run Thursday after work.

My initial thoughts on the i9s:

Size: I like how compact it is. Small, easy to transport/inflate/deflate. I don't own a truck, so I like the idea of not having to use a rack/thule.

Durability: Appears to be very tough.

Drive unit: Love the idea of pedal not paddle to free up my hands to fish.

Does anyone know how easy it is to install accessories? Specifically, a fish finder and rod holders.

The i9 is a great kayak. Bought mine in March 2012 and have been on the water in it about a dozen times. Someone on the forum discribed the i9 as a water Jeep, a conclusion I share. The i9 is stable, durable, portable, easy to inflate/deflate and sailable. The Mirage drive is incomparable as a way to power a kayak. Rod holder is offered by Hobie and very easy to install and very useful. I recommend the i9 user think like a backpacker, carry only what's really necessary, and those items you do carry should be simple, compact and light weight.

Thank you for the feedback. I was drawn to it for those same reasons. Durable, lightweight, portable, easy to inflate/deflate, minimal. I'm taking it out in 2 days...cannot wait! It'll be her maiden voyage. Here are a few pics I took.

You wont be disappointed - the inflatables are just incredible boats. I have two i12's and have done a tiny bit of fishing with them. Just be careful with sharp hooks! If you are fishing, the i12 has a forward sealed hatch that's pretty nice for keeping things tidy, but is still easy to set up with one person. I have a bunch of videos / photos of the i12's on my site from different trips I've taken, linked below.

_________________"Never mistake a clear view for a short journey." - Cowboy Proverb